Tuesday, March 23, 2010, Juneau, Alaska – The Alaska State House of Representatives today unanimously passed House Bill 262, which would designate the month of May as Motorcycle and Motor Scooter Awareness Month in Alaska. Representative Wes Keller, R-Wasilla, sponsored the bill.

The governor in the past has highlighted motorcycle safety in Alaska by issuing a declaration making May the time for safety campaigns. Keller would like to change that by making May the official month of Motorcycle and Motor Scooter Awareness.

“I rode to Alaska on a motorcycle in the late 1960’s and am well aware of the enjoyment and sometimes the dangers of riding one,” Keller said. “Most motorcycles appear in May and are around until at least the end of September. People in automobiles and trucks need to remember that they are on the road and use caution. Motorcyclists also need to remember that car and truck drivers are not always looking. Local groups like the Alaska Motorcycle Safety Foundation, Alaska Bikers Advocating Training and Safety and the Harley Owners Group join together to promote safety and this bill give them a tool for that effort.”

The bill originally cited only motorcycles but now includes motor scooters. With gas prices continuing to rise, more and more people are looking at the small two-wheeled motor scooters. While not as fast, those bikes face the same dangers and are often used in downtown driving conditions making them equally vulnerable. The bill is also intended to provide members of the Alaska Motorcycle Safety Commission enough time to prepare for an official public safety awareness campaign.